A cross section of wedding planners, photographers, marriage officers, musicians and transportation service providers listen attentively to understand the benefits of becoming members of the GBI Bridal Association
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Freeport, Bahamas - Small businesses in the wedding
industry
are banding together in an effort to raise standards, encourage
certification,
as well as, to promote and market Grand Bahama Island as the premier
wedding destination in the region.
The Grand Bahama Island Bridal
Association
was recently launched under the auspices of the Bahamas Bridal
Association,
which is the only wedding association endorsed by The Bahamas Ministry
of Tourism.
“It is indeed with great pleasure
that The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism applauds Grand Bahama top
wedding professionals as they forge the way forward for bridal industry
partners by forming an organization such as GBIBA who will, no doubt,
not only set the pace in adhering to and maintaining best practices
while servicing engaged couples, their family and friends, but who will
also create the kind of delightful experiences which will make them
and their special guests repeat visitors to our shores" stated
Freda Madrisotti, Director of Romance for The Islands of The Bahamas.
The Executive Board members of the GBI Bridal Association are - Janet Albury - President, Rosalyn Pinder - Ministry of Tourism, Sherilyn Cooper - Secretary, Bishop Joseph Hall, Sr - Chaplain, Liselle Harris - Vice President, Davina Rutherford - Treasurer
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"The Grand Bahama Island Bridal
Association has been in the making for the past several years. We are
pleased that persons have stepped forward to assume leadership positions
in an effort to bring together wedding vendors to focus on increasing
business by advertising, educating, training, hosting seminars, trade
shows and putting in motion many planned initiatives in order to move
this industry forward', said Janet Albury President of the Association.
Also serving on the Board are Liselle Harris - Vice President, Davina
Rutherford - Treasurer, Sherilyn Cooper - Secretary, Bishop Joseph Hall
- Chaplain, Rosalyn Pinder - Ministry of Tourism, Tara Dorsette -
Attorney.
Albury also admonished persons
who practice the 'copy-cat' syndrome and encouraged all vendors to tap
into their own creativity in order to provide 'signature' products or
style of service for their companies, one that is marketable and
distinguishes
them from similar types of businesses.
Anna Fox, the Immediate Past President
of the Bahamas Bridal Association addressed the group on behalf of the
current Executive and extended congratulations to the Executive team
and members of the GBI Chapter on their accomplishment. “As
the business of brides is constantly changing, I cannot stress enough
how important it is for the growth of the Chapter to ensure that your
Consultant members become certified Wedding Planners and meet the
requirements
set by the GBIBA in order to uphold Industry Standards.
I encourage Consultant and Vendor members to have their own specific
“Brand” which
sets them apart and adapt to the
changing economic climate in order to remain competitive as well as
to stay abreast of changes in the wedding industry by engaging in local
and international seminars and workshops”, said Anna Fox.
For the past several years, persons
eager to start a new career or to supplement their income, has been
certified and designated as Certified Wedding Specialists by completing
the Weddings Beautiful Bahamas [Worldwide] or ABC wedding planning
courses.
Thus far, Grand Bahama Island boasts having some 17 certified wedding
planners, known to the Association, with several persons currently
enrolled
to become certified later this year. This niche market is handsomely
represented by experts in this field , infusing the best of The Bahamas.
Anna Fox, Immediate Past President of the Bahamas Bridal Association attended the GBI Bridal Association's launch encouraging persons in the wedding industry to work together to raise standards.
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